Client: Hillcrest Nursing Home
Sector: Healthcare
Service Category: Test Before Invest
Technology Used: Virtual Reality
Project Duration: April 2024 – September 2024
Overview
In a unique collaboration between Hillcrest Nursing Home and Data2Sustain, this pioneering project introduced Virtual Reality (VR) into reminiscence therapy — a therapeutic approach used to support the emotional well-being of older adults by helping them reconnect with meaningful past experiences.
Through immersive, 360° video experiences and bespoke staff training, Hillcrest transformed the way it engaged with residents, proving that digital innovation can create lasting impact, even in the most personal areas of care.
The Challenge
Hillcrest Nursing Home, a small care facility in Ireland, was seeking innovative solutions to enrich the lives of its residents. While reminiscence therapy was already part of their therapeutic repertoire, traditional methods—such as photo albums or storytelling—struggled to engage residents fully, particularly those with cognitive challenges.
The question was clear:
How might we use technology to make reminiscence therapy more immersive, effective, and scalable across a diverse population of older adults?
The Solution
With support from Data2Sustain, and in collaboration with the WiSAR Lab at Atlantic Technological University, the project introduced Virtual Reality as a tool for therapeutic engagement.
Phase 1: Creating the Experience
- Developed custom 360° VR content capturing nostalgic scenes such as Irish beaches and rural landscapes—places that held emotional value for the residents.
- Used Meta Quest headsets and YouTube VR to ensure accessibility and ease of use.
- Ran a pilot trial to observe reactions and fine-tune the approach based on resident feedback.
Phase 2: Training for Sustainability
- Designed an easy-to-follow training programme for staff, including tutorials on filming, editing, and curating VR content.
- Staff were equipped to create and manage a growing VR content library, making the approach self-sustaining and scalable.
Key Outcomes
✅ Increased Resident Engagement
Residents became visibly more animated, joyful, and emotionally responsive during VR sessions.
✅ Staff Empowerment
Care staff gained new digital skills, fostering a culture of innovation and ownership.
✅ Sustainable Implementation
A long-term library of tailored VR content was established, allowing ongoing therapeutic use without additional external costs.
✅ Cost Efficiency
Initial investment in VR technology offset recurring expenses for external entertainment and therapy services.
✅ Scalability
Hillcrest’s success demonstrates a repeatable model for other care homes across the region and beyond.
What We Learned
- Customisation is Crucial: Content that reflects residents’ own life stories yields the highest impact.
- Training Makes the Difference: Empowering non-technical staff through simplified resources ensures successful adoption.
- Listen and Adapt: Shortening video durations and managing session length helped reduce dizziness and improve focus.
Wider Impact
📌 Social
Improved emotional well-being and quality of life for older adults, strengthening bonds between residents and caregivers.
📌 Economic
Reduced reliance on external providers, saving costs while improving service quality.
📌 Market Potential
This approach paves the way for broader adoption of VR technologies in elder care settings across Europe.
In Their Own Words
“The introduction of Virtual Reality has transformed the way we engage our residents. Seeing them relive fond memories with such joy is incredibly rewarding. This project has truly enriched our approach to reminiscence therapy. The support from the Data2Sustain EDIH was invaluable in making this initiative a success.”
Luke Gavigan, Director, Riada Care Ltd.
Project Delivered By:
WiSAR Lab, Atlantic Technological University
Part of the Data2Sustain European Digital Innovation Hub
